PROGRAMME
MONDAY 17 NOVEMBER
8.30AM
REGISTRATION OPENS
9.00AM
WELCOME
Laura McGoldrick, MC
9.05AM
OFFICIAL OPENING
Presenters:
- Sarah Cowley Ross, Chair, Athlete Leaders Network
- DJ Forbes, General Manager, Athlete Leaders Network
9.30AM
THE FUTURE IS HERE: USING AI TO STRENGTHEN YOUR VOICE
Presenter:
Dr Kevin Ross, Director - Artificial Intelligence & Data, Deloitte New Zealand
How athletes can use AI tools to enhance communication, decision-making, and personal impact. This session opens the day by challenging attendees to think about how technology can empower—not replace—their authentic voice.
10.30AM
MORNING TEA
Refuel & connect
11.00AM
OWNING YOUR JOURNEY – FROM ATHLETE TO LEADER
Presenter:
Sarah Walker ONZM, BMX
Sarah shares her story of finding confidence beyond the bike and navigating governance roles, influence, and authenticity.
12.00PM
BY ATHLETES, FOR ATHLETES – THE POWER OF COLLECTIVE VOICE
Panel 1:
- Nick Collier, Canoe Slalom
- Pandora Fruean, General Manager, Canoe Slalom NZ
- Hazel Ouwehand, Swimming
Panel 2:
- Selina Goddard, Lawn Bowls
- Destiny Katene, Touch
- Andrew Tara, Participant & Community Engagement Manager, Sport Integrity Commission
Facilitator: Laura McGoldrick
A real talk on athlete voice mechanisms, advocacy, and why speaking up—together—drives change.
1.00PM
LUNCH
Refuel & connect
2.00PM
TURNING VOICE INTO INFLUENCE
How the athlete perspectives feed into real decisions.
REAL TALK, REAL TOOLS
Preparing athletes for what's next.
2.45PM
AFTERNOON TEA
Refuel & connect
3.00PM
THE KEY TO INFLUENCE
Keynote: Jehan Casinader
Jehan is an award-winning New Zealand journalist, speaker and mental health advocate.
4.30PM
FORUM CLOSING
4.45 - 6.00PM
NETWORKING FUNCTION
Socialise, connect, digest, reflect, network
Last updated 10 November 2025.
Subject to change.